Bud Isaacs RIP

Obituaries and remembrances
of steel guitarists, their friends and families

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Rick Jackson
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Bud Isaacs RIP

Post by Rick Jackson »

It is with a broken heart that I let you know Bud passed away about 11:00 a.m. this morning. He was suffering and in a lot of pain. No funeral plans at this time. He will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Geri has no internet access but if you would like to send a card, send it to: 12461 E. 38th Street Yuma, AZ 85367.....**** This is the correct zip code for Bud and Geri. Sorry for the error...rj****
Image This is from a few years back at one of the SWSGA shows...
Last edited by Rick Jackson on 5 Sep 2016 4:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Billy Easton
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Post by Billy Easton »

We knew this day was coming, but we are never quite ready....may my old pal rest in peace. Bud was certainly one of a kind, and I will miss him. Love you Bud.

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Richard Sinkler
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Post by Richard Sinkler »

How sad.
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Rick Barnhart
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Post by Rick Barnhart »

It was an honor to have been introduced to this kind ol' gentleman several years ago. He was a true pioneer. Rest well.
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Post by b0b »

I'm so sorry to hear this. Bud was a true genius of the pedal steel, and one of my idols. I only met him once. He was very friendly to me and had a quick mind when it came to talking about steel guitar. I felt that I was in the presence of greatness.

My condolences to Geri and the rest of their close friends and family.
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Ray Harrison
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Post by Ray Harrison »

Another great loss. Such a pleasure to have worked with him many years ago.
The stories go on and on in heaven.
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Post by Billy Easton »

The last picture of Bud and I taken in late May of this year....
Image
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Joe Naylor
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Another sad day

Post by Joe Naylor »

I had the honor of introducing him several times at the Phoenix. He always had time to come by and chat for a while. Loved his stories and have repeated a few.

I also had the prevliage of being the emcee at his 80th birthday celebration 8 years ago. He even gave me a story or two to tell. Towards the end of that show he called me over to him and told me I told that one better than he told it ----- flashed that Bud smile and he patted me and said Good Job Joe n

I was on Cloud 9. Lots of great memories.

Slowly will always be just a little for this day on.

RIP MR Bud

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Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP
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Post by john buffington »

We've lost yet another great legend and pioneer in the steel guitar world. We extend our deepest sympathies to Bud's family.
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Jim Cohen
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Post by Jim Cohen »

Another great loss in the steel guitar world. My deepest condolences to Geri and their family and friends. It was an honor to spend some time with him at the Arizona show. RIP, dear Bud.
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Post by Mike Neer »

RIP to a steel guitar legend.
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Fred Justice
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Post by Fred Justice »

God bless you old friend.
The chats we have had together I feel you knew the Lord as your personal Savior.
Go rest there till we all catch up to you Bud.
God be with Geri and the family.
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Carl Williams
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Post by Carl Williams »

My condolences to the family. A true legend and pioneer of steel guitar. It really hurts to see our heroes go. RIP Bud...Carl
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Dave Mudgett
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Post by Dave Mudgett »

In life, you don't run into a lot of true pioneers. Bud Isaacs was one of those. We're so lucky to have had him in our community. RIP Bud, and my deepest condolences to his family and closest friends.
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Post by Skip Edwards »

This is indeed sad news. Sincere condolences to the family.
Vaya con Dios, to a true pioneer.
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Joe Naylor
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Couple more memories

Post by Joe Naylor »

A couple more memories.
Image

One of the times I was introducing he and Geri


Image

Another one from a show with Herb and Bud.

Joe
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP
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Post by Ben Lawson »

What a legacy he leaves for us. I am so glad I got to meet him. I'm sorry he's gone.
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Post by Mitch Drumm »

He was so much associated with Webb Pierce and "Slowly". It's a shame he didn't get more recognition for the instrumentals and western swing stuff he recorded.

At times, I hear that west coast Noel Boggs sound in his early recordings.

Here's a link to the earliest thing I know of by Bud---on the original version of what has become a Texas dance hall classic, from 1950. Supposed to be done on a Gibson Electraharp:

http://picosong.com/zTfa

And here's my favorite 3 pix. I'm wondering when he was in the Army--I think that buck private pic was taken around Washington DC, where he apparently was stationed.

Bud's obviously had a sense of humor and it was on display the only time I ever spoke with him. A character.

My condolences to everyone who knew him well.


Image


Image


Image
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Roy Rosetta
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Post by Roy Rosetta »

This is such sad news. Bud and Geri have been good friends of mine and Barbara's for many years. Our sincere condolences for Geri and their family. Rest in Peace dear friend.
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Post by Johnny Case »

I am saddened that we have lost a kind spirit whose
imaginative musicianship revolutionized the steel guitar world. May he rest in peace.
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Post by Duane Reese »

Let us never forget how the E9th sound started, and who started it back in 1954...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B6FjkaY-O8


Thanks Bud.
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Post by Walter Stettner »

This is really sad news. My condolences to the family.

Here's a photo of two legends, both gone now:

Image

RIP, Bud

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Bill Bailey
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Rip

Post by Bill Bailey »

:( Last week I watched the video of Bud and Geri playing Slowly at the SWSGA show a few years ago. Bud had not touched his steel for 10 or 12 years according to Geri.You could see Bud doing his best for the audience. Now he plays in the Angel Band. May the Lord comfort his family and friends.
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Godfrey Arthur
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Post by Godfrey Arthur »

Godspeed Sir!

Wow Mr. Pedal steel..as in...
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David Wright
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Post by David Wright »

Sad to hear this, R.I.P Bud, You took Steel Guitar to a new level, Thank you...